How to make the move from academia to academic administration

Academics make excellent administrators. They understand the intricacies of an academic environment, which enables them to make informed decisions that align with institutional goals. Their experience in curriculum development, faculty management and student affairs equip them with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of leadership and administration. Additionally, academic administrators often showcase a strong commitment to the larger mission of education which is key to steering universities towards success.

Making the move from academia to academic administration requires adaptability, an understanding of organisational dynamics and the ability to build collaborative relationships and offers academics a more comprehensive view of the institution’s financial and operational aspects. Those wishing to take this path must capitalise on their transferable skills and seize a variety of learning opportunities.

The main differences between academia and academic administration

While academia focuses on specialised research and teaching within specific fields, influencing policy and creating impact beyond the classroom or research lab, administration oversees broader institutional objectives, requiring collaborative leadership and strategic planning skills across departments and general resource allocation. Academia values publications and student outcomes, while administration emphasises institutional growth and programme efficacy. Academia often offers more structural flexibility, while administration operates within hierarchical frameworks, focusing on operational and policy innovations for institutional progress.

Skills that academics bring to academic administration roles

• Critical analysis and problem-solving: these aid in strategic decision-making
• Communication: these enable effective collaboration with diverse teams in administrative settings
• Project management: expertise in managing projects of varied natures in academia translates well to administration roles
• Analytical thinking: an analytical mindset helps generate practical administrative solutions
• Teaching and mentoring: classroom engagement, academic delivery and mentoring skills gained over years in academia are useful for developing administrative staff
• Time management: being a multitasker and managing time effectively is crucial when handling diverse and complex administrative tasks efficiently.

Improve your chances of promotion to administrative roles

There are several actions you can take that will add a catalogue of skills and experiences to your academic CV. Begin with a meticulous skills appraisal to identify any gaps. To fill them, actively look for opportunities to gain administration or institutional leadership experience. Start in entry-level positions and progress, using each stage as a learning tool.

Highlight all experiences and skills applicable to administrative roles on digital profiles such as LinkedIn as well as on your CV. Accentuate any noteworthy leadership experiences.

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Stay ahead of trends and innovation

Subscribe to reputable academic journals, attend conferences and participate in online platforms and forums. Follow scholars and institutions on social media, join professional associations and use resources such as Google Scholar Alerts, open-access repositories and library databases. Engaging with podcasts, webinars, newsletters, blogs and conferences will help you stay informed about the latest research, trends and discussions within your academic field.

Enhance and develop your skills

To equip yourself with the tools you need to address complex academic administrative challenges, look for opportunities for professional development. Try data analysis and conduct root cause analyses of problems your faculty are facing, seek opportunities to collaborate across teams, request feedback from your colleagues, and reflect on decisions made within your department and institution to enhance your analytical skills.

Be proactive in identifying mentors and opportunities

Find mentors that add value and help you in early decision-making as you prepare for transition. Forge connections with administrators by seeking them out and asking them about the tasks involved in their day-to-day jobs. Gain practical experience by volunteering to take on some administrative tasks to build your experience. Complete training certifications in management, finance or leadership and demonstrate enthusiasm and proactiveness by getting involved with committee leadership.

Transitioning from academia to academic administration requires a combination of learning, skills development and strategic preparation. It is vital to embrace transferable abilities, gain administrative experience and keep pace with the latest trends in the higher education space. Taking a steadfast approach and adapting to challenges will foster a successful transition from academia to academic administration, widen your professional horizons and bring value to your institution.

N. N. Sharma is the pro vice-chancellor (strategy and planning) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

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